The necklace latched onto his chest—
not just worn, but absorbed—melting into his skin as though it had been waiting for him.
Orimo's breath hitched.
A faint orange glow flickered in his eyes, and a thin, dark aura rippled around him like smoke rising from fire.
Orimo (eyes widening): "That… was quick."
Ryuki watched, expression steady yet sharp.
Ryuki (quietly): "There you go."
Before either of them could take a step—
rustle. rustle.
Grass parted on all sides.
Twenty figures emerged, raising spears, eyes burning with fear and hatred.
???: "Go back at once!"
Orimo lifted his hands slightly.
Orimo: "We mean no harm."
???: "Lies. You two are the beginning of the twisted Malevolent Generation."
Orimo's jaw tightened.
Orimo: "You leave me no choice then."
His aura thickened.
Aegis Mantra: Hardened Strike.
His feet and fists darkened—like steel.
THUD!
THUD!
THUD!
In seconds, the spearmen collapsed one after another—disarmed, not dead.
One soldier crawled, gripping his spear.
???: "U… unforgivable…"
Orimo: "We're not here to kill anyone. So stop attacking before we turn you into seafood."
???: "Shut up— you twisted devil!"
Orimo blinked.
Orimo: "…Woah. That's rude, y'know."
Beside him, Ryuki's swords were already drawn—her aura swirling into a dark violet flame.
Orimo (sharp): "Ryuki. Calm down."
She paused—then lowered her blades.
Ryuki: "As you say, Captain."
The wind cleared some fog, revealing a settlement far beyond the trees—small rooftops, wooden fences, smoke rising from chimneys.
Orimo pointed.
Orimo: "I see a village. Let's go."
Ryuki (nodding): "Okay."
They stepped forward—toward a village that already feared their names.